I've known about the Strangers In Paradise series for years, but it wasn't until I heard Terry Moore speaking at a panel at ALA this year that I actuaI've known about the Strangers In Paradise series for years, but it wasn't until I heard Terry Moore speaking at a panel at ALA this year that I actually followed through and picked up the book. When asked what motivated him to write Strangers In Paradise, Terry responded that he'd started with a question - "What is it like to be a woman walking around in a planet full of predators and trying to match up with one?" I was intrigued.The first book in the series does not disappoint, strong female narrators, realistic illustrations (none of these blow-up doll figures) and dialogue that pulls the reader along.I'll be buying the rest of the series with my next paycheck, and recommending Strangers in Paradise to reluctant graphic novel readers....more

Fantastic YA novel - southern gothic, paranormal, romance, mystery - it's all there. A gripping first novel that introduces a world of characters whoFantastic YA novel - southern gothic, paranormal, romance, mystery - it's all there. A gripping first novel that introduces a world of characters who readers will want to follow into further battles between Dark and Light....more

I can't believe it has taken me so long to read The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. I picked this up at the Harvard Bookstore on a recent trip to BI can't believe it has taken me so long to read The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. I picked this up at the Harvard Bookstore on a recent trip to Boston. The characters are excellent, the writing is spot on - I just loved this....more

I fished this book out of my 'to read' pile after reading a short story by the author in 'The New Yorker.' I've had it on my shelves for so long - itI fished this book out of my 'to read' pile after reading a short story by the author in 'The New Yorker.' I've had it on my shelves for so long - it was an ARC I picked up at Random House. Wonderful book, a tale of two brothers set in a no man's land post WWII, clearing wood in a godforsaken patch of land. The characters, the pacing, the atmosphere, the language - all was brilliant and so enjoyable, even though sometimes it was difficult to witness the goingson in the story.

*mild spoiler alert!*

The faithful blind horse being left behind made me think of Animal Farm - why do these poor horses get the short end of the stick?...more

No spoilers, so I will just get in line to say that this is a great build in the Catching Fire series, with more time spent on the characters and theiNo spoilers, so I will just get in line to say that this is a great build in the Catching Fire series, with more time spent on the characters and their relationships, while still keeping up the action pace. Catching Fire adds a great depth to Katniss' world. Now the long wait till the third installment!...more

Ugh, Rabbit is such a spineless soul. There is a lot to despise in the characters of this book, but I think that's the point - his story is one that hUgh, Rabbit is such a spineless soul. There is a lot to despise in the characters of this book, but I think that's the point - his story is one that has echoes throughout middle class America. This is a depicition that is so uncomfortable because it's a bit too close to what we know happens far too often, people acting selfishly and cowardly and thoughtlessly. Disappointing themselves and others around them.As much as I can recognize the craftsmanship of the book, I will not be picking up any of the sequels....more

Referenced by some as the original Twilight, this has what Stephanie Meyer's books lack - a strong female protagonist. Elena makes Bella look like a wReferenced by some as the original Twilight, this has what Stephanie Meyer's books lack - a strong female protagonist. Elena makes Bella look like a wimp....more

I like "A Mercy," and found it very reminiscent of Morrison's other books, which was part of the problem - I didn't feel as if she brought anything neI like "A Mercy," and found it very reminiscent of Morrison's other books, which was part of the problem - I didn't feel as if she brought anything new to the table with this book. That said, I thoroughly enjoyed each characters voice, and the depiction of womens struggles as they came to the New World were truly heart-wrenching. The idea of personal freedom, and releasing one's self from slavery, was made most sharp in the journey of little Florens who moves from a child to a woman in one violent day....more

This is a book that I bought for the title- very poetic, in that kind of Romeo & Juliet way. Quick read, engaging, thought-provoking. Not a must rThis is a book that I bought for the title- very poetic, in that kind of Romeo & Juliet way. Quick read, engaging, thought-provoking. Not a must read, but a good book to pack for travel....more

I read 'Love Medicine' as a teenager and the interweaving family narrative and deceptively simple storytelling have stuck with me ever since. Louise EI read 'Love Medicine' as a teenager and the interweaving family narrative and deceptively simple storytelling have stuck with me ever since. Louise Erdrich knows how to create an atmosphere, to make a community real in the reader's imagination, to weave spirituality into everyday life.

The Plague of Doves was a pleasure to read, I was happy to be guided by the different voices through the narrative history of Pluto, ND.

A family tree would have been really helpful, as the one which I ended up with is tangled, messy, and unclear. This is probably just as the author intended, and the novel is nonetheless satisfying for it....more

Really enjoyed this collection of short stories, so many different styles and voices, and the introduction to the book was especially delightful, someReally enjoyed this collection of short stories, so many different styles and voices, and the introduction to the book was especially delightful, something that I kept dipping into....more